Audi already operates the first of its plants using sustainable energy in Brussels (Belgium), Györ (Hungary) and San José Chiapa (Mexico). Solar power has a very large share in this. Lucas di Grassi used the race in Marrakesh to visit the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. The Noor Solar Power Complex in Ouarzazate is located about 200 kilometers from Marrakesh, behind the Atlas Mountains. The sun shines here – with few exceptions – 365 days a year. The site is therefore perfectly suited to the 7,400-acre facility with its solar panels that cover an area of 3,500 soccer fields. “To see this incredibly large area was extremely impressive,” says Lucas di Grassi, who had all the details explained to him by the operators of the trend-setting plant. “The solar power plant generates twice as much energy each day than what is needed in Marrakesh.” During the tour, he also discovered a common feature with his Audi e-tron FE06: the high-precision bearing technology for solar mirrors is also coming from Audi technology partner Schaeffler.
At his birthplace, São Paulo (Brazil), Lucas di Grassi has launched the Zero Summit – Latin America’s first congress on technologies and ideas that ensure CO2 neutrality. The event will take place from October 6 to 8. “Audi will use the Zero Summit, among other things, to introduce the Audi e-tron Sportback in Brazil,” says di Grassi.
Between the two Formula E races in Mexico City and in Marrakesh, Lucas di Grassi made a detour to the German capital for the Berlinale. The Audi Formula E driver and climate ambassador for the United Nations discussed ideas, technologies and visions for a more sustainable future in various areas with journalist Birgit Heidsiek and film producer Antra Cilinska at a panel discussion, which was held under the motto of: “The show must go green.”